Monday, December 31, 2012

Autumn Birch Tree Painting by Niki Gulley

"Seasons of Change, Autumn" ©2012 Niki Gulley
30" x 30" textured oil painting on wrap around canvas

With "Seasons of Change," I wanted to focus on brilliant color and simple shapes to see if I could communicate the excitement I feel when surrounded by nature. Using energetic diagonal strokes and thick, textured paint, I hope you get a sense of the motion in the leaves and the power of nature to invigorate your spirit. I just love how this piece captured that essence!

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her textured oil paintings of aspen and birch trees.


Friday, December 28, 2012

Palette Knife Sunflower Paintings by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Moments VI" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas

I painted these sunflowers with extremely thick paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 



This sunflower scene looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of my sunflower or floral scenes. Hang them horizontally (like pictured above), vertically, on a diagonal or stacked (as seen below). Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.

If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured flower paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Textured Sunflower Series by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Moments V" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas
This piece was selected to hang in the Artists of Texas Juried Show at the Dutch Art Gallery in Dallas


I painted these sunflowers with extremely thick paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 



This sunflower scene looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of my sunflower or floral scenes. Hang them horizontally (like pictured above), vertically, on a diagonal (as seen below) or stacked. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.


If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured flower paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Monday, December 24, 2012

12x12 Sunflower Oil Painting by Niki Gulley

"Sunny Moments IV" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas


I painted these sunflowers with extremely thick paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 

This sunflower scene looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of my sunflower or floral scenes. Hang them horizontally, vertically, on a diagonal or stacked. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.

If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured flower paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Indian Paintbrush Painting by Niki Gulley

"Texas Treats IV" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured mixed media on canvas


I painted this Indian Paintbrush canvas with extremely thick paint and palette knife. The resulting image is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 

This Texas wildflower image looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with a bluebonnet painting or some of my sunflower scenes. Hang them horizontally, vertically, on a diagonal or stacked. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.

If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured floral paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Winter Aspen Tree Painting by Niki Gulley


"Seasonal Shifts, Winter" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured mixed media on canvas


I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. 



This image looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Hang them horizontally (pictured below), vertically, on a diagonal or stacked like pictured above. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.


If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured aspen and birch tree paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Textured Aspen Paintings series by Niki Gulley


"Seasonal Shifts, Autumn" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas


I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. This image looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.


If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured aspen and birch tree paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Friday, December 14, 2012

Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams - Deadline Saturday


"Santorini Sunset" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 24" pastel

My husband and I honeymooned on the Greek island of Santorini and fell in love with it. From the beautiful views of the Caldera, to the white-washed architecture with its signature blue domes, to the laid back attitude and the warmth of the people, we couldn't wait to return. Here is a view at the far end of the island in the town of Oia. I wanted to capture the "skyline," ocean view and the gorgeous sunset that night.

Becoming enchanted with the island ourselves, we now can't wait to share the Greek experience with other painters and photographers, so we are leading our May workshop to Athens and Santorini, Greece.  If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18.

Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.


Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Athens and Santorini, Greece
May 10-18, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Final Registration Deadline: Dec. 15
E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

"Seasonal Shifts, Summer" textured aspen tree painting by Niki Gulley


"Seasonal Shifts, Summer" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas


I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. This image looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.


If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured aspen and birch tree paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Monday, December 10, 2012

12" x 12" Textured Aspen Tree oil paintings by Niki Gulley

"Seasonal Shifts, Spring" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 12" textured oil on canvas


I painted this aspen grove with extremely thick oil paint and palette knife. The resulting canvas is loaded with texture, color and energy! I've painted it on 1 and 1/2 inch deep stretcher bars, with the image continuing around the edges so that it can be hung as is frameless for a contemporary look. This image looks great hung alone to brighten up a little spot, or in a grouping with some of the other seasons I've painted to fill a larger space. Take a look at nikigulley.com/the-art/textured-oils/ to find complimentary companion pieces.


If interested in more information on pricing and purchasing, please e-mail Niki Gulley.

To see more of my textured aspen and birch tree paintings, please visit NikiGulley.com.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Niki Gulley's "Scenic Route" on Sale for Adopt - a - Art Auction Dec. 7 & 8


“Scenic Route” ©2012 Niki Gulley
Oil on canvas • 20” x 60”

My husband and I love exploring the back roads whenever we’re en route somewhere. We always discover such interesting places, and the scenery is so much more picturesque than along the highway. It’s fun to slow down and enjoy the journey with no agenda, which is what I had in mind when I painted “Scenic Route,” a beautiful fall drive through the winding fall foliage.

This oil painting along with several others will be available at our "Adopt - a - Art" party on Dec. 7th and 8th. As some of you may know, we are planning to move to a larger studio space and while we would love to take all of our precious friends with us, we would rather not move everything and start with a clean studio space. Consequently, we are going to do something this year that we have never done before and may never do again, we are going to have an adoption weekend. There will be nominal fees associated with some of these to cover the care and feeding of them over the years and all of our little friends will be available for viewing, ready to go to new homes. We hope that you can make it!

Adopt – a – Art
One time only art sale and auction of Niki Gulley’s pastels/paintings and Scott Williams’ photographs

Fri. Dec. 7th 7pm – 9pm 

Sat. Dec. 8th 1pm – 4pm

Gulley / Williams Studio - Dallas, TX
RSVP Niki Gulley for address and directions

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Fall Foliage pastel by Niki Gulley

"Golden Moment" ©2012 Niki Gulley
12" x 24" pastel

I painted this pastel at the Dallas Arboretum last fall to capture the gorgeous fall colors, and the mysterious long shadows cast by the sun as it was nearing sunset. I loved the vivid reds and oranges of the foliage, and the way the sun was causing those colors to glow along with the highlights on the path.

This pastel along with several others will be available at our "Adopt - a - Art" party on Dec. 7th and 8th. As some of you may know, we are planning to move to a larger studio space and while we would love to take all of our precious friends with us, we would rather not move everything and start with a clean studio space. Consequently, we are going to do something this year that we have never done before and may never do again, we are going to have an adoption weekend. There will be nominal fees associated with some of these to cover the care and feeding of them over the years and all of our little friends will be available for viewing, ready to go to new homes. We hope that you can make it!

Adopt – a – Art
One time only art sale and auction of Niki Gulley’s pastels/paintings and Scott Williams’ photographs

Fri. Dec. 7th 7pm – 9pm 

Sat. Dec. 8th 1pm – 4pm
Gulley / Williams Studio - Dallas, TX
RSVP Niki Gulley for address and directions


Monday, December 3, 2012

Adopt - a - Art Show for Niki Gulley and Scott Williams

"Meandering Way" ©2012 Niki Gulley
25" x 19" pastel

In "Meandering Way," I wanted you to be transported to a beautiful autumn day, completely surrounded by nature. Hiking through the forest, hearing the leaves crunching under foot and the canopy rustling above, you can be totally carefree and lost in the peaceful moment. Making short energetic strokes with my pastels and including vivid warm colors add to that joyful feeling of being immersed in nature.

This pastel along with several others will be available at our "Adopt - a - Art" party on Dec. 7th and 8th. As some of you may know, we are planning to move to a larger studio space and while we would love to take all of our precious friends with us, we would rather not move everything and start with a clean studio space. Consequently, we are going to do something this year that we have never done before and may never do again, we are going to have an adoption weekend. There will be nominal fees associated with some of these to cover the care and feeding of them over the years and all of our little friends will be available for viewing, ready to go to new homes. We hope that you can make it!


Adopt – a – Art

One time only art sale & auction of Niki Gulley’s pastels/paintings 
and Scott Williams’ photographs
Fri. Dec. 7th 7pm – 9pm 
Sat. Dec. 8th 1pm – 4pm

Gulley / Williams Studio - Dallas, TX
RSVP Niki@NikiGulley.com for address and directions


Friday, November 30, 2012

A Pause in Time, Venice by Niki Gulley wins award at PSSW Juried Show


“A Pause in Time” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley
18” x 24” pastel

This piece won an award at the Southwest Pastel Society's 31st National Juried Show Exhibit. It will be on display at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX through Dec. 2nd

Mysterious, enchanted, dreamlike – Venice is a fairytale at night.
Evening has drawn its starry cloak over the city, the crowds and pigeons are gone and three women enjoy the evening at a café in Piazza San Marco.
This changeling city, this artist’s muse now is unhurried, relaxed and romantic
and this one perfect moment in time is held in artful pastels, satiated colors–rich velvet textures capture ebony/violet chairs that Peggy, Pollock or Cole Porter may have sat in,
paintings of angels from old Venice and three modern women of today complete this delicate balance in a point of time.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9, 2013. We'd love to have you join us! E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks for more details on Venice, Greece, or our Italy Art Treks.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

"Cascading Rhythms" Palette knife oil painting by Niki Gulley


“Cascading Rhythms” ©2012 Niki Gulley
12” x 24” textured oil on canvas

Water pounds its way down the falls: cascading, rushing, charging into the riverbed -- flowing over rocks, swiftly moving forward. Untamed, the surge finds its way over, under, around the boulder-strewn river. Tumbling waters drive up mists above the falls, the rhythmic sounds create a soothing harmony below. Autumn’s low light casts long lines through the Aspen trees and glowing verge.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information on her contemporary landscape paintings.

Please visit NikiGulley.com.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

"Fire and Gold" Contemporary birch oil painting by Niki Gulley

"Fire and Gold" ©2012 Niki Gulley
oil on canvas • 36" x 48"

I love the first signs of fall – the crisp feel in the air, the crunching of leaves underfoot, the beautiful autumn colors, and being totally immersed in nature in the middle of a forest without a care in the world. In Fire and Gold I wanted to recreate that joyful feeling, choosing warm reds and yellows of autumn and using energetic strokes with my paint to heighten that mood. Building up first thin transparent layers and then thick textured layers of oil paint also add to a certain glow and magic in the final piece.

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Or, visit NikiGulley.com to see more of her contemporary landscape paintings.

Friday, November 23, 2012

"Heightened Awareness" textured aspen painting by Niki Gulley

Heightened Awareness III ©2012 Niki Gulley
48" x 36" • Textured mixed media on canvas

In this painting I wanted you to feel that child-like wonder of staring up in into the treetops and the heavens above. I chose vibrant, cheerful yellows contrasted against a violet blue sky filled with big, puffy clouds. And, by arranging the aspens in a circular pattern heightened by thick, curving paint strokes, that joyful, playful feeling of hope and discovery are enhanced.

If you'd like more information on my textured aspen and birch tree paintings, e-mail Niki Gulley.

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

"Golden Transitions" textured aspen painting by Niki Gulley

"Golden Transitions" ©2012 Niki Gulley
textured oil on canvas • 36" x 60"

In "Golden Transitions," I wanted you to feel like you were deep in the middle of the woods surrounded by nature in all of its beautiful autumn glory. I painted these aspen trees with extremely thick oil paint so that the texture and colors leap off the canvas.

To see more of my contemporary landscape paintings, visit my website at NikiGulley.com.

Or, e-mail Niki Gulley for more information.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Transcending Luminosity by Niki Gulley now available in Canvas Prints

"Transcending Luminosity" ©2012 Niki Gulley

I decided it would be a fun challenge to create an extremely large painting this winter, and I wanted the final piece to be very uplifting, colorful and full of energy. Opting for warm colors and working with extremely thick oil paint and palette knives, I chose this water scene for its energetic flow and yet calming serenity at the same time, and positioned the water lilies and my paint strokes in a circular pattern to enliven that mood.

Now available in canvas prints. 
I have added thick paint to the prints so they are loaded with texture. 
They are UV coated and are stretched with the painting continuing around the edges on 3/4" stretcher bars so that they can be hung as is without a frame, or if you prefer a traditional look, they can be framed also. 
20" x 30" for $295 • 28" x 40" for $495

A close up detail of the lily pads where thick paint has been added.

Print wrapped around 3/4" stretcher bars.

E-mail Niki@NikiGulley.com with questions or to order.


Friday, November 16, 2012

Painting in Venice with Niki Gulley

“Bon Appetito” ©2012 Niki Gulley
Pastel 24” x 36”

On my first trip to Europe, my husband wanted to take me to Venice since it was one of his favorite cities, and I fell in love with almost everything about it. The timeless quality created by living on canals free of cars, the history in the architecture and even the cobbled walkways, the beauty of the scenery and the magical quality created by the light to name just a few of my favorite things. I love how food and meals play such an important role in Italian culture – a time to slow down and enjoy friendships while savoring the locally grown cuisine and wines over the course of the evening. In this pastel I wanted to communicate all of those joyful feelings in addition to capturing the energy and romance of the city at night. Bon Appetito!

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.



Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Carnivalé - Venice, Italy
Feb. 2-9, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Final Registration deadline: Nov. 18

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Deadline this week for Venice Art Trek

“Dreamlike Journey,” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley
12” x 9” pastel


I created this pastel during a workshop my husband and I taught in Venice. We love the city, and there is so much inspiration there between the art, architecture, canals and magical light that it's really hard to narrow down what to paint! On this day, we decided to stick with a classic view of the canals. I like the way light peeks through the narrow passageway and leads your eye from building to building, and the gondola that happened into the scene created the perfect finishing detail.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.


Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Carnivalé - Venice, Italy
Feb. 2-9, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Final Registration deadline: Nov. 18

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Venice Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams


“A Pause in Time” Venice, Italy ©2012 Niki Gulley
18” x 24” pastel
This piece was selected to exhibit at the Southwest Pastel Society's Juried Show and will be on display at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX through November 2012.

Mysterious, enchanted, dreamlike – Venice is a fairytale at night.
Evening has drawn its starry cloak over the city, the crowds and pigeons are gone and three women enjoy the evening at a café in Piazza San Marco.
This changeling city, this artist’s muse now is unhurried, relaxed and romantic
and this one perfect moment in time is held in artful pastels, satiated colors–rich velvet textures capture ebony/violet chairs that Peggy, Pollock or Cole Porter may have sat in,
paintings of angels from old Venice and three modern women of today complete this delicate balance in a point of time.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Venice, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Venice during Carnivalé, Feb. 2-9. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.


Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Carnivalé - Venice, Italy
Feb. 2-9, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley and Scott Williams
Final Registration deadline: Nov. 18

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Nov. 10th deadline for Greece Art Trek


“Rooftop View” Santorini, Greece ©2012 Niki Gulley
10” x 20” oil painting

The view from our hotel that we’ll be staying at in May for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop to Greece is amazing! In this oil painting, I wanted to capture the beautiful sea below with the vertically stacked puzzle piece architecture indicative of Santorini.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.


Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop
Athens and Santorini, Greece
May 10-18, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Early Registration for a $500 savings: Nov. 10
Final Registration deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Greece Art Trek with Niki Gulley and Scott Williams


“Doorway to Possibilities,” Santorini, Greece • by Niki Gulley
SOLD • 20” x 10” pastel

The view from our hotel that we’ll be staying at in May for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Workshop is amazing! In this pastel, I wanted to capture not only the gorgeous Aegean below and the white-washed architecture with brilliant blue accents, but also I wanted to show off the unique Greek doorways that frame the beautiful landscape below.

If you’d also like to experience the beauty, history and culture of Greece, join me and my husband / travel photographer, Scott Williams, for our Plein Air Painting and Photography Art Trek to Athens and Santorini on May 10-18. Our unique Art Treks afford you the option to choose which aspects interest you, whether it is painting, photography, both or neither, thereby giving you an opportunity to make the most of your experience. Our trips are designed to hone your skills and expand your creativity, all while you further your artistic voice and immerse yourself in the region's culture and lifestyle. Non-participating partners are encouraged to join us for a reduced price, and we'll help with travel arrangements, tours, transportation, etc. while we're painting and photographing.


Plein Air Painting & Photography Workshop
Athens & Santorini, Greece
May 10-18, 2013
Taught by Niki Gulley & Scott Williams
Early Registration for a $500 savings: Nov. 10
Final Registration deadline: Dec. 15

E-mail Niki Gulley for more information or go to nikigulley.com/artreks.

This workshop is already over half full, so we encourage you to register soon!